Gig Number One

When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time listening to a live blues record recorded at The Dolphin Lounge in Gahanna, OH. My uncle played on it, and it was hip. So, you can imagine my delight when a friend reached out and asked if I could open for his band at The Dolphin Lounge.

It is not easy being a full time student and finding the time to practice and learn an hour of material. But there is also something very therapeutic about taking an hour each day and running through material that you grow ever more comfortable with. By the time of the gig, everything was in place. I had a website, people were committing to showing up, and the material was ready to be brought out. I took the advice of Waterbear, The College of Music and planned out the content of my musings between songs to keep myself from venturing into statements I didn’t want to make.

The actual gig went over fairly well. Unfortunately, I do not have pictures to share as I only know of two that were taken of me and neither is flattering. More specifically, I look like I am asleep in both pictures. There were a couple of mistakes here and there, but nothing that I would call a major flop. Overall, I would call it a solid set and people enjoyed it.

I’ve been playing music since I was ten, but this was the first show that I went on as just myself. It’s a little nerve-wracking to just be up there alone, but I am so appreciative that the experience happened in a friendly setting. I’ve got a lot to work on with both the music and my stage presence, but it is so incredible to have the opportunity to play music for people, especially music that I helped write.

Thank you to everyone that made it so special. There’s a lot of new stuff coming really soon, so stay tuned!

-Carter